Winter 2045
Ezrael
The chaos had erupted not long after the Underworld Exploration Unit had gone on their trip to the Seam. Ezrael had received the report from Bramm as she learned the new recruit was going to be joining up. Of course, she had worried about her working with the highest risk of their workforce, but a part of her had assumed that it was fated to be.
She had, after all, come to search for her friends who had been trapped in the Underworld, and it was interesting enough that she was able to convince her old love here that he should tag along. Her work would have shifted to include Underworld activity—as truth be told she did have concern over those that were sent down there—least of all those of the old Children of the Night.
Yet, another job took precedence—even amidst the destruction of the place she had worked so long to complete.
The first alarms went out when the dragon with the faded blue scales had been seen a distance away from Achrom. She was not alone in the lab at this point—she had summoned the available Archromages to her side to delegate the responsibilities of evacuation and managing their defensive measures. Unfortunately, most of the Archromages had been away on their duties, so she could only rely on Ryker and another of theirs, Desdemona. Des had been certainly a capable Archromage in her own right, but at the end of the day she and Ryker were only two of seven who were immediately available.
The notice has been sent out to the others, but by the time they get the message and are able to muster the power to return—they either will require rest to not be of use, or will have been too late. The odds were not in their favor.
“Des, you’re going to lead the evacuation efforts by getting the lowest ranks out to safety, then you’ll scan and work your way up to the next level, and so on and so forth. Chromages with more talent are to be expected to handle themselves or manage their own evacuation until you can make it to them. Evacuate to the rescue shelter, do you understand?”
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Desdemona nodded. She was a well built woman with hair done up in a bun dyed blue with aquamarine highlights. She had the look of a soldier, and she carried herself with a weight that paired with her position. Ryker, on the other hand, looked to have other things on his mind as he stared up to the ceiling with his hands paired behind him.
“Ryker, you’re being un-leashed. You have talents I typically despise, but unfortunately am in need of. Keep casualties low unless you need to incapacitate. We want to keep this situation handled, but we’ll also want to question them if we have the opportunity,” Ezrael said.
“You sure know how to drive a hard bargain, but I humbly accept your request,” he bowed deeply. “And what of yourself? What will you be doing for the war efforts?”
“I have an emergency project I must continue to work on. It is of the utmost imperative that I am able to finish it. If and when I am able to, I will join you on the front lines.”
“I understand, my lady,” Ryker stood from his bow. “Mysterious as ever, but I have learned by now not to question your motives when you’re as serious like this.”
“That I appreciate. Now we have no time to waste. I have called back the Underworld squad. Meet up with Bramm and David, they’ll be able to aid you on the front lines,” Ezrael then turned to Desdemona. “Then you meet up with Felix and Veron. Have them assist your team with evacuation. Then, if you’re able, send our new recruit my way.”
Ryker’s eyebrow arched up, curious. “The newbie...why, must I be left out of the loop?”
“No time,” Ezrael said, putting an end to the conversation immediately. “Send her here at once, now, get a move on.”
The both of them nodded, and they each left the room on their own, separate missions.
Once Allison was able to arrive she would open up on some of the truths, she needed a way to plan against Samael, and she figured through Allison was the best available option...unless...they answered.
She took in a deep breath and turned her back and resumed work. She had been constructing a machine with only two purposes. One, to send a message, and the second, to receive a response. If she was able to configure the parameters that she remembered from her dreams...it was a risky shot. There was no telling if the connection were stable—or if it would even be received.
It was a stone’s toss of a chance, but she figured if she was at this point, then she was certainly desperate.
She took in a sharp breath and constructed the first message. It had to be short—she needed to signal at the very least that the channel were open. If she could establish that much, then she could open further communication.
“Hello...you might not remember me, but I really need your help.”